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We help people live their better selves, for the greater good.
We all want a better world, right?
At Heartlines we believe that when we live out positive values, we can change the world, for ourselves, and others. We promote a values-based life through a range of programmes, values-based resources, films and community engagements.
Fathers Matter - our flagship programme
In South Africa, over 60% of children grow up without their biological fathers. This absence impacts children's emotional and educational well-being, and future relationships. Our Heartlines Fathers Matter programme aims to address that.
Watch the trailer for the Fathers Matter Films
Resources for you
It's not always easy doing the right thing, right? We’ve developed resources that equip you, your group or community to start conversations around values and help you make the shift to living them out.
FILMS
Heartlines produces award-winning films that use the power of storytelling to entertain and inspire viewers. Many of our long-term projects, such as What's Your Story? and Values & Money, are based on the films we produce.
Hopeville
To support his estranged son’s swimming aspirations, Amos, a reformed alcoholic, attempts to restore a derelict public pool but meets resistance from the community. Through patience, determination and courage, Amos’ selfless act ripples through Hopeville, inspiring others to take action and do what they know is right.
Read more about Hopeville
Beyond the River
Two men from very different walks of life team up for the 120km Dusi Canoe Marathon. By opening up about their respective life stories, they break race, social and age barriers, forming a formidable bond. This film is inspired by the true story of Piers Cruikshanks' and Siseko Ntondini's 2014 Dusi journey.
Read more about Beyond the River
Nothing for Mahala
Axe lives in the fast lane and is spending a lot more than he’s earning. When his debts catch up with him and he’s sentenced to community service with a surly senior, he begins to wonder if the flashy life is worth the price.
Read more about Nothing for Mahala
Heartlines 8 Films 8 Values
8 Weeks, 8 Values, 1 National Conversation. Heartlines’ founding campaign centred around these films, which were aired on public television and remain notable local productions. Each dealt with a specific value and used the power of story to share a message of hope and motivation for social change.
Read more about Heartlines 8 Films 8 Values
Fathers Matter Film Series
The Heartlines Fathers Matter films are seven different, compelling dramas that explore the complexities of fatherhood in South Africa today, where most children grow up in homes without their biological fathers.
Read more about Fathers Matter Film SeriesARTICLES
What parents should know about teenage dating
The world teenagers are navigating often looks nothing like the one their parents grew up in. Youth leaders who walk closely with teenagers every week see this shift clearly and believe parents need to understand the realities shaping teenage relationships today.
Read more about What parents should know about teenage dating
A different kind of New Year’s resolution
As this year starts, the most meaningful resolution you can make may not be about what you want to achieve, but about how you choose to live.
Read more about A different kind of New Year’s resolution
A survivor’s reflection on how to rethink 16 Days
Every year posters go up, campaigns roll out, and we hear the same speech over and over again, but we still have women and children dying as a result of gender-based violence.
Read more about A survivor’s reflection on how to rethink 16 Days
What parents, teachers and communities can actually do to stop bullying
Bullying is a community sickness that needs a community cure. Parents, teachers, neighbours, coaches – everyone has a part to play. Victory isn’t when the bully backs off. Victory is when the child knows, without even thinking twice, that an entire village stands behind them.
Read more about What parents, teachers and communities can actually do to stop bullying
How we can overcome bullying and build safer schools
Through initiatives involving young people, communities, education and law enforcement, dedicated South Africans are working to reduce violence and inspire empathy and trust.
Read more about How we can overcome bullying and build safer schools
Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa: A Symposium on Youth Perspectives
On 29 October 2025, Heartlines, in partnership with the University of the Witwatersrand School of Governance hosted the Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa symposium.
Read more about Rethinking Fatherhood, Gender, and Masculinity in South Africa: A Symposium on Youth Perspectives